The Department of Intellectual Property, Ministry of Commerce, is advancing the enhancement of online consumer protection by intensifying surveillance and suppression of counterfeit goods on e-commerce platforms. It has found that counterfeiters have developed more sophisticated production and online sales methods, especially for cosmetics and electrical and electronic devices, which may affect the public's life, health, safety, and property. The department collaborates closely with partner agencies and online platforms to prevent and crack down on intellectual property infringement continuously, aiming to create a safe and fair online commerce environment for consumers.
Oramon Subthaweeratham, Director-General of the Department of Intellectual Property, revealed that through cooperation with intellectual property law enforcement agencies, the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD), Customs Department, and the Department of Special Investigation, they have monitored and suppressed intellectual property violations. In the first six months (October 2025 - March 2026) of fiscal year 2026, 332 cases of intellectual property infringement were prosecuted in Thailand, both in commercial areas and online, with over 1.3 million seized items valued at more than 2.3 billion baht in economic damages. It was found that the sale of infringing goods has shifted from physical stores to online channels due to easier and faster consumer access, especially daily necessities and personal care products. These include cosmetics such as skin creams, facial care products, serums, sunscreens, foundations, powder compacts, body washes, shampoos, conditioners, and toothpaste, as well as mobile accessories like power banks, fast chargers, wireless earphones, and small electrical appliances such as Bluetooth speakers, power strips, and hair dryers. These counterfeit products have packaging and Thai labels that closely imitate genuine items with official approval marks such as FDA registration numbers and Thai Industrial Standards (TISI) marks to deceive consumers, especially online shoppers who cannot inspect products before purchase, often lured by prices significantly lower than market rates. These products are substandard, containing banned or excessive harmful chemicals that can cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, electrical device malfunctions, and risks of short circuits and fire.
Oramon stated that the Department of Intellectual Property recommends seven points to observe or be cautious of when purchasing goods online as follows:
(1) Check labels and certifications from authorities such as FDA numbers, TISI marks, and trademarks.
(2) Verify product information, including product name, manufacturing date, expiration date, manufacturer, importer, seller, country of origin and production, and also check the store's history to see how long it has been operating.
(3) Examine product ingredients and ensure packaging meets standards without defects.
(4) Confirm clear return and refund policies.
(5) Ensure prices are reasonable and not excessively low compared to normal market prices. (6) Obtain receipts or proof of purchase.
(7) Review product feedback before deciding to buy, paying special attention to warning signs such as exaggerated advertising claims, flash sales with heavy discounts for very limited times, pressure to make immediate payments, hidden seller information, and unverifiable reviews. Suspect the possibility of counterfeit goods or fraud if these signs appear.
Selling copyrighted infringing goods for commercial profit is punishable by imprisonment from 3 months to 2 years or fines between 50,000 and 400,000 baht, or both. Counterfeiting registered trademarks carries penalties of up to 4 years imprisonment or fines up to 400,000 baht, or both. Importing, selling, offering for sale, or possessing counterfeit goods or goods imitating registered trademarks in Thailand is subject to similar legal penalties.
Enhancing consumer protection from substandard intellectual property-infringing goods alongside promoting legitimate business operators is a key policy of the Ministry of Commerce under the leadership of Supachai Sutthaphan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce. This aims to strengthen Thailand's intellectual property ecosystem, as effective IP protection not only encourages innovation and fair competition but also builds confidence in trade, investment, and Thailand's image amid a volatile global economy and intensified competition.
If the public encounters sales of intellectual property infringing goods, they can report tips via the websitewww.ipthailand.go.thunder the service section “Report Intellectual Property Infringement” or call the hotline at 1368.
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